Swim, Illustration Friday

It seems like this week flew by, didn't it? Once again, i'm digging deep to find something remotely related to IF's theme, "Swim." Luckily, this mono print surfaced in time, but just barely.
This one was done by creating a simple painting on a sheet of plexiglass with printmaking ink. Working quickly, I then placed a slightly damp sheet of paper on top of the "plate." With pressure applied with a burnishing tool, (in this case I used a rice paddle), the design eventually transferred to the paper, which was then lifted off the plexiglass, yielding a "one of a kind" print.
It's still a little but cool to go for a dip in the ocean early in this spring, so for today, these little fish will have to do the swimming!

Muddy, Illustration Friday

Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear. ~ Lao-tzu

From the depths of a muddy pond, the lotus blooms as a symbol of high spiritual aspirations. This week, my answer to Illustration Friday's challenge comes paired with two koi, symbolizing perseverance and strength.
The winter season can be a dark and dreary time. Here in southern California, heavy rains brought mud which carved destructive paths in areas that were recently plagued by fires. With spring approaching, the hillsides can look forward to being comforted with blankets of green velvet and healing with the next generation of wildflowers, as the skeletons of charred trees renew the life within their blackened trunks.